Infrastructure for the new paradigm of nuclear reaction evaluation. (1st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herman, M.; Brown, D.A.; Capote, R.; Chadwick, M.B.; Haeck, W.; Hutchinson, J.D.; Kawano, T.; Neudecker, D.; Palmiotti, G.; Salvatores, M.; Talou, P.; Trkov, A.; White, M.C.
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 163(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01
• Subjects: Nuclear data evaluation -- Differential and integral experiments -- Nuclear reaction modeling -- Adjustment -- Assimilation -- Nuclear data infrastructure; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108494
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: New paradigm for nuclear data evaluation is proposed. Results of the pilot assimilation project are presented. Various developments of nuclear data infrastructure are outlined. Synergy of these new-paradigm-enabling activities is shown. Abstract: The new paradigm of nuclear reaction evaluation postulates that differential and integral experiments along with the reaction models should be used in concert to produce the evaluated data files. The results of a previous assimilation project are summarized as a proof of principle that adjusting reaction model parameters to the results of integral experiments is feasible. The new paradigm requires vast modernization of the nuclear data infrastructure. Such modernization is actually carried out by several national and international efforts. We describe those dedicated to: (i) handling of differential and integral data, (ii) providing and operating the sensitivity profiles, (iii) ensuring reproducibility of the evaluations, and (iv) enabling automated verification of the entire library. We also point to the importance of the nuclear reaction modeling and discuss advantages and disadvantages of the new paradigm.